DISAGREE: It's OK, America

Liberty requires eternal vigilance, especially now. Americans are guaranteed the right to criticize our political leaders — a tradition that campaigner Trump embraced fully and with vulgarity. But now elected, he attacks those who question him.

Recently Mr. Pence attended the play “Hamilton.” The cast welcomed him, encouraging him to work for all of us using American values. But they also expressed a heartfelt concern that Trump’s administration would not protect them and their children. Donald called it harassment and demanded an apology, as if they did something wrong. (Mr. Pence, but not Donald, correctly said no apology was needed.)

Are people not “American” if they disagree or express displeasure? Karl Rove said the cast should be ashamed. What about the citizens who booed Mr. Pence upon arrival? Will they be called disloyal? Are we in for another round of 1950s McCarthy-style inquisitions where we must say the right thing, shun those who disagree and punish those who defend the Constitution?

Our country is not us versus them; we are all in the same boat. Strong Americans criticize leaders or their actions when needed. Elected officials must honor and respect our hard-fought freedom to dissent. This election produced a not-normal person to break the status quo. At each turn we must insist that his policies and behavior be constitutional, guided by the principles given in the Declaration of Independence.

DENNIS REUTER

Coeur d’Alene